BUILDING THE COMMUNITY FROM THE GROUND UP

It is imperative to the growth of the South African economy, and our social
responsibility, that big businesses support small businesses within the
construction industry, and give back to the community. This is according to Pherdy le Roux,
managing director at the Gauteng branch of GVK-Siya Zama, a leading
construction company that recently worked with local small, medium and micro
enterprises (SMMEs) on a local community-work-based project, Paterson Park,
located in Orange Grove, Johannesburg.

Paterson Park – aimed at bringing a diverse and stimulating recreational
facility to the community – seeks to provide a safe space that facilitates the
development of fundamental skills like reading and writing in conjunction with
sport, physical activity and health to stimulate growth and development in the
community.

“From a construction perspective, we ensured that Paterson Park is birthed
from the community, for the community, says le Roux. “More than 50 percent of
the work, from ground up, was allocated by GVK-Siya Zama to over ten different
community-owned SMMEs in and around the area.  This exceeded the contract
requirement of a 30% local contractor spend and cements GVK-Siya Zama’s
commitment to the development of communities.

As each SMME was appointed and commenced
with their respective trades on the project, management training for the
directors of each company was provided. These workshops included management of construction
resources, the application of quality principles on a site, contract
documentation, and the implementation of site administration and procedures.
Once the course was completed, each participant received an accreditation
certificate. GVK-Siya Zama also provided a full-time coordinator as part of the
mentorship programme. The training programme ensured that every appointed local
subcontractor was set on the road to success and was given the necessary skills
and training to ensure that they could successfully complete works on site.

Along with this, 35 local employees received training during over a period
of seven months in specialised skills such as plumbing, bricklaying, plastering
and paving. Each of these trainees received accreditation certificates which
now enables them to continue working in the industry.

While the Paterson Park project first and foremost allowed people to have
input into the development of their own community, it also uplifted the
community through job creation and income generation for community-based
companies. The Paterson Park project is indicative of the success GVK-Siya Zama
has achieved working with local communities. It also highlights the benefit of
industry leading processes and training initiatives provided by the contractor.

Le Roux
further explains that the project offers long term benefits to the
community with the creation of a variety of facilities, including:

Learning and creativity: The park targets academic growth by providing a
state of the art library, a craft centre to facilitate artistic expression and
growth, and an amphitheatre for community-organised shows, presentations and
recitals. It includes an administrative building, security house and generator
to ensure optimal functionality at all times.

Sporting: Paterson Park is equipped with an Olympic-style swimming pool and splash
pool with a grandstand for spectators. Another grandstand graces a full size
soccer field, while there are two smaller five-a-side fields, as well as two
tennis courts, a multi court and a basketball court, with a pavilion. To top it
off the park offers an enclosed multi-function sports hall with a fully
equipped gym. While specific titles have been given to these facilities, they
all act as multi-use platforms.

“All members of the community, from the public to clubs and schools, will
have open access to Paterson Park. GVK-Siya Zama believes that the vested
community journey from construction to end use will play a huge role in
uplifting the community,” he says.

“As such, it is vital for the industry to realise that projects can be successfully
executed through community participation endeavours that empower local SMMEs
and offer growth where it is so sorely needed,” le Roux concludes.